Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

Page 96

.. This publication gives informed and contextualized information about marriage beliefs and customs in nine major world faiths, namely Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh and Zoroastrian, currently practised in Britain. The faiths are complex, dynamic and contain great diversity and traditions. All the faiths, their wedding ceremonies and rituals described in this book have a great variety of different ways of expressing their traditions. Every marriage is unique and the rituals associated with marriages vary throughout the world and within individual religious traditions. Some marriages will involve the couple and a few witnesses others may include whole communities with hundreds of guests. However, at the heart of all marriages are the promises that each of the partners make to each other publicly. Marriages are often known for their opulence and vibrancy but in reality this is only the outward sign and underneath the outward gloss and glamour of the wedding ceremony are lifelong promises and commitments. For many people throughout the world, the aim of their lives is to have a happy marriage and to bring their children up to be responsible adults. According to insurance statistics, married people of all ages have a greater life expectancy than single people. Marriage is also vital for the emotional development of our children and deeply embedded in the fabric of human society after thousands of years of experience. The information given in this booklet will not only be of use to prospective couples and their families, but also be valuable to schools, social services, local authorities and faith communities Price: PS5.00